There’s a cemetery on the property of Benton demolition site for Interstate widening

See photos below of the before and after progress of the building demolition. Click any picture on this page for a larger version. Photos by Shelli Poole unless noted as Google.

We knew the Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department (ArDOT) would be demolishing a business structure in Benton next to Interstate 30. It had to be removed for the ArDOT to widen the Interstate. But MySaline reader Felton Magby pointed out to us that there is a tiny cemetery behind that building – a used car dealership on the south end of the South/Sevier Street bridge at exit 116.

Google Map shows the rear of the former repair shop on Leander St. with headstones visible.

This Google Map shows the aerial view of the Crouch family cemetery.

The business relocated, but what would become of the cemetery? All this happened for widening Interstate 30 to six lanes. I talked to David Nilles, a spokesperson for Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) who assured me that the cemetery will remain untouched. They will just have better roads surrounding them. The graves belong to members of the Crouch family.

Google Map shows the front of the old repair shop.

This photo of the building in 2017 is by Shelli Poole.

Nilles further stated, “It’s project CA0601, which will widen the Interstate beginning at Sevier Street and extending down to the Highway 70 Hot Springs Exit. (Approximately 5 miles.) It will include interchanges at Highway 70 and Highway 67. Five bridges will be replaced. Construction is scheduled to begin in May of 2018.”

Photos above and below during building demolition in 2017 taken by Shelli Poole.

The project is currently in the phase of dealing with Right-of-Way and Utilities. Construction is expected to begin around the Spring of 2018 ~~and finish in mid-2021~~. ? Edit 07/01/22 – Well… that finish date didn’t happen.

For more information on this project and to stay updated, visit connectingarkansasprogram.com/corridors/8/i-30-saline-county/.

See more photos below ? of the before and after progress of the building demolition. Click any picture on this page for a larger version. Photos by Shelli Poole unless noted as Google.